'Justin Beaver' Wins For Name Of New Bronx River Beaver
BRONX, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- There's going to be one less nameless beaver in the Bronx.
After the Wildlife Conservation Society discovered a second beaver living in the Bronx River last week, the group opened up a contest to the community to name the mammal. The name "Justin Beaver" won with an overwhelming majority.
Justin Beaver's counterpart is named José, after U.S. Rep. José E. Serrano, a vocal advocate for the Bronx River. Jose was discovered in the river in 2007 near the Bronx Zoo, and Justin was recently spotted with him by the shore.
"We are thrilled to see that the community is embracing the Bronx River and its newest inhabitant," said John Calvelli, WCS's Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. "Everyone that lives and works in the Bronx should be proud of the ecological rebound that the Bronx River has made. José and Justin certainly appreciate it."
According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, New York City hasn't been a home to beavers since colonial times, although the beaver is the state mammal of New York. In fact, the official seal of New York City actually features an image of the animal.
